UMass Basketball Defeats Dayton 76-72

The Massachusetts men's basketball team recorded a significant 76-72 victory over Dayton, marking their first win in Atlantic 10 play this season. Daniel Rivera led the Minutemen with a career-high 23 points and 12 rebounds, contributing to a strong defensive performance that limited Dayton's top scorers to just seven points combined. UMass managed to overcome an early 10-point deficit, executing a crucial 12-2 run in the second half to seize the lead. Head coach Frank Martin emphasized the importance of confidence and resilience among his players during the game. In contrast, both Maryland and UCLA are struggling, each with two consecutive losses in the Big Ten, as they look to rebound from their respective setbacks. Both teams have faced criticism for their inability to secure late-game rebounds, with UCLA's coach calling his team 'soft' after a recent defeat against Michigan.